23 SAR athletes to compete in Paris Paralympics

The SAR is sending 23 athletes to Paris for the upcoming Paralympic Games, with prize rewards nearly doubled to reward Paralympians. The athletes representing Hong Kong, China, are set to compete in eight sports. The squad includes six-time Paralympian and wheelchair fencer Alison Yu. Yu, who has won seven Paralympic gold medals, three silvers and one bronze, said it is important to get into the right mindset in the last weeks leading up to the Games. "I'm so looking forward to competing at the Grand Palais... In the Olympic Games, we saw Edgar Cheung and Vivian Kong get gold medals at the Grand Palais, so I think the Grand Palais is a lucky place for us," she told RTHK. "I will try to relax a bit from fencing, not thinking so much about fencing and trying to be ready mentally." For rider Natasha Tse, she said it is an honour to compete for the SAR in her fourth Paralympics. "My challenges in this Games are on how to get used to my new horse, or how to get used to the weather, or even the accuracy in my test," Tse said. First-time Paralympian Leung Chung-yan, who will compete in the men's table tennis singles, said he is excited to play and hopes to win a match. Officiating at the flag ceremony ahead of the Games, Chief Executive John Lee pointed to higher rewards for Paralympians, with a gold medal winning solo athlete set to receive HK$1.5 million. He also said the entire city is behind the SAR athletes. "All of you have overcome various challenges to reach the pinnacle of sport, competing with athletes from all over the world on the Paralympic stage. We are proud of you," Lee said. "Your participation not only represents your personal efforts and achievements but also represent Hong Kong's support and recognition of parasports." The Paris Paralympics will run from August 28 to September 8.